IND vs PAK: Pakistan's spin-heavy bowling attack might trouble India, says Manjrekar

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has highlighted Pakistan’s spin-heavy bowling strategy as a potential challenge for India when the two arch-rivals meet in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, September 14.

Traditionally, Pakistan has been renowned for its quality fast-bowling arsenal. However, with conditions in the UAE favouring spin and the modern T20 game increasingly reliant on power-hitting, head coach Mike Hesson has opted for a spin-centric attack in the tournament.

In their opening game against Oman, Pakistan fielded four specialist spinners. While captain Salman Ali Agha is available as an additional option, he did not bowl in the match. Nevertheless, the spin unit dominated proceedings, helping Pakistan secure a convincing 93-run win. Saim Ayub and Sufiyan Muqeem each picked up two wickets as Omani batters struggled against the turning conditions.

With India up next, Manjrekar believes this unconventional bowling approach could present a fresh challenge for the Men in Blue.

“I like this bowling combination because it’s India vs Pakistan, and I feel this attack might give the Indian batters something different to think about,” Manjrekar said on Sony Sports Network. “They’ve played Pakistan in world events before, but usually against a certain kind of attack. This is completely different — hardly any pace on show — and maybe Wasim [Akram] would hate it.”

He added, “Batting will need a little improvement against India, but credit to Mike Hesson for making the most of the resources he has. Saim Ayub has hardly bowled for Pakistan in the past, but under Hesson, he’s bowled in almost 90% of the innings. This shows a new approach, and that’s exciting because it’s refreshing to see Pakistan try something different.”

Manjrekar also marvelled at the dominance of spin in the first part of Pakistan’s innings against Oman. “Can you imagine the first six or eight overs? Just two overs of pace, and the rest were all spin. Incredible,” he said.

As India prepares to continue their dominant start to the tournament — including a nine-wicket win over the United Arab Emirates — all eyes will be on how the Men in Blue tackle Pakistan’s revamped spin attack in one of cricket’s most anticipated rivalries.